Been trawling the interweb these past weeks researching my next purchase.

The three bikes above are on the shortlist and I'm eagerly awaiting the release of their 2015 ranges.

So far I've been unable to find any reliable info on what these brands have planned, but here's the rumours so far.

Specialized Tarmac - I'm hearing that the SL5/New Tarmac will filter across the range, replacing the SL4 and a new SL6 will come out for the S-Works bikes. I'm hoping that's the case as the SL5/New Tarmac is supposed to be not only lighter, but considerably stiffer and more comfortable than the SL4, which is already supposed to be a great bike

Giant TCR - The TCR Advanced has been in its current form for a couple of years now and I'm hoping should be due for an upgrade. What's unclear is whether or not the Advanced SL will simply filter down to replace the Advance and Giant will introduce a new top end TCR, or whether the TCR Advanced SL, with its integrated Seat Post (which I really don't like) will stay. I think Giant's TCR range is starting to look quite old tech compared to the competition - we'll see.

Cannondale Supersix Evo - Clearly a tremendous frame, but it hasn't really been updated for 2-3 years now. I've heard rumours about Cannondale borrowing the Power Pyramid design from the new Synapse Hi-Mod to redesign the Supersix, but I've not seen any prototypes used by Sagan etc, so not sure if this will materialise.

What say you Weight Weenies?What have you heard? What would you like to see?

Sounds like you're quite influenced by whatever might be touted as the "latest and greatest" tech available. I don't like that seatpost junction on the Giants either. Why aren't you looking at offerings from Trek. Know your geometry and fit requirements first then match it up with the bikes you short list. But at the end you have to like the bike you get (for whatever reason) so obviously emotion comes into it as well. Just make sure it fits and then choose which package fits your budget and desires.

I've been really impressed with Cannondale's ride quality/geometry. If I was looking, that would be my choice.

But as ^^ said, make sure you are thinking geometry first. Almost all those top shelf bikes are the same in my opinion (stupid low weights, stiffness/comfort/weight ratio touting, fancy marketing tech descriptors etc), except for fit.

It's a good question if you prefer those brands. It's a drag to invest in a new setup just to have the new one roll out a month later. I haven't seen any new cannondales except the new Caad10, which has a new fork and paint. Cannondale are stuck in a good position though, the Evo and the Caad designs are great - they look awesome and perform just as well. I would hate to see them add a lame curve to the top tube or something just for a new frame. I'd love an Evo with a solid color paint and maybe an updated high end carbon like they have on the new Dogma.

New Tarmac trimmed off the seat tube which makes it tough if you have long legs and ride a smaller frame. I have been a Tarmac racer for a long time and have to bail on this new design because they've sloped it to death. No seatpost could be long enough for me in the right size.

Not sure about Giant, they don't fit me too well with the slack seat tubes. Did you check out Scott? The Addict SL is comparable to a Tarmac or Evo. Two other good brands to consider are Stevens and Canyon, but it's hard to find them in the US.

Of course, there are tons of other brands to choose from, but I get the sense you're looking for somehting sporty looking that can be bought through a local dealer.

it doesn't look like the evo will be update this year, the color options were same or very similar to the 2014's from what I saw on the dealer's side of the website. From what I remember, the black inc remains, the 2014 hi-mod DA2 keeps the matte gray/black paint, and the ultegra di2 simply flip-flops where the black and white paint. There was also a kind of odd, retro red option somewhere in there. Rumor is they're going for a big update in 2016.

If you do some web sleuthing there are some rumors that the "new tarmac" will trickle down into the pro and expert lines this year, with the "10r" carbon on each, similar to current sl4 offerings.

evo not changing in a relevant manner this year - why? because it's already lighter and better...

But seriously, figure out what geometry will work best for you based on your goals (e.g. slam that stem, centuries, etc...) and then find a frame you can stand the looks of. Personally the curvy Specialized frames aren't appealing, and the ISP on the Giant is a no-go... but everyone wants different things!

Sounds like you're quite influenced by whatever might be touted as the "latest and greatest" tech available. I don't like that seatpost junction on the Giants either. Why aren't you looking at offerings from Trek. Know your geometry and fit requirements first then match it up with the bikes you short list. But at the end you have to like the bike you get (for whatever reason) so obviously emotion comes into it as well. Just make sure it fits and then choose which package fits your budget and desires.

Thanks for the advice Calnago. I understand your point, but to reassure you I'm not "influenced by whatever might be touted as the "latest and greatest" tech" per se, more that I want to ensure my money is spent on a bike which incorporates the latest design, thinking and advances - but at the same time still meets my needs.

You make a great point re fitting, but I've been racing for more than 20 years and I'm also fortunate that my friend is a qualified bike fitter so between the two of us my position and fit are pretty sorted.

I've been really impressed with Cannondale's ride quality/geometry. If I was looking, that would be my choice.

But as ^^ said, make sure you are thinking geometry first. Almost all those top shelf bikes are the same in my opinion (stupid low weights, stiffness/comfort/weight ratio touting, fancy marketing tech descriptors etc), except for fit.

My brother rides a SS Hi Mod with Red and loves it. It's def high on the short list.

Re your point about weight though, I'm surprised how much weight there is between certain brands and builds in the same price bracket. Almost as much as 3lbs in some cases.

It's a good question if you prefer those brands. It's a drag to invest in a new setup just to have the new one roll out a month later. I haven't seen any new cannondales except the new Caad10, which has a new fork and paint. Cannondale are stuck in a good position though, the Evo and the Caad designs are great - they look awesome and perform just as well. I would hate to see them add a lame curve to the top tube or something just for a new frame. I'd love an Evo with a solid color paint and maybe an updated high end carbon like they have on the new Dogma.

Totally agree with this point.

tinozee wrote:

New Tarmac trimmed off the seat tube which makes it tough if you have long legs and ride a smaller frame. I have been a Tarmac racer for a long time and have to bail on this new design because they've sloped it to death. No seatpost could be long enough for me in the right size.

I agree, but I'm the opposite. Long back, shorter legs so not as much of an issue. Speaking to one of the Spesh UK honchos last week and he was telling me the idea behind the longer seatpost is to introduce more flex/comfort which can be tuned on the back of different seatpost stiffnesses.

tinozee wrote:

Not sure about Giant, they don't fit me too well with the slack seat tubes. Did you check out Scott? The Addict SL is comparable to a Tarmac or Evo. Two other good brands to consider are Stevens and Canyon, but it's hard to find them in the US.

The slacker angles on the TCR aren't something that I'd traditionally prefer, all things being equal.

The new Addict is an interesting proposition. I'm a big fan of Scott as I also have a CR1 SL, but as there's not much being written about it at the moment I'm not sure how smooth it will be. The road surfaces in Scotland dictate that I couldn't by a Venge/Foil. Needs to be fast, but still offer some degree of comfort, which both the Tarmac and Evo apparently deliver in spades.

Heard too many horror stories about Canyon customer services and seat tube cracks to buy one of them. Shame, as the Ultimate CF SLX looks a wonderful machine...

it doesn't look like the evo will be update this year, the color options were same or very similar to the 2014's from what I saw on the dealer's side of the website. From what I remember, the black inc remains, the 2014 hi-mod DA2 keeps the matte gray/black paint, and the ultegra di2 simply flip-flops where the black and white paint. There was also a kind of odd, retro red option somewhere in there. Rumor is they're going for a big update in 2016.

If you do some web sleuthing there are some rumors that the "new tarmac" will trickle down into the pro and expert lines this year, with the "10r" carbon on each, similar to current sl4 offerings.

Not sure I could hold off until 2016 for those new SS's

Heard those rumours re the Tarmac too. Wonder when they'll be confirmed...?

Last edited by GeeTee on Fri Jul 11, 2014 9:16 am, edited 1 time in total.

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